RICHARD RODNEY BENNETT: MY DANCING DAY AND OTHER CHORAL WORKS

BBC Singers / Paul Brough (dir)

Signum Classics SIGCD 293

[64:27]

This recording of a highly attractive selection
of
Bennett’s recent a cappella choral works and
arrangements is as accomplished as one could possibly
hope
for from the ever-reliable BBC Singers under Paul
Brough, their principal guest conductor. The
opening
sequence of four Chrismas carols provides a
perfect
example of Bennett’s refreshing musical language
and supreme craftsmanship, and he is undaunted by
tackling poems familiar to us from settings by
other
composers. The disc includes Serenades,
written
for the BBC Singers and which sets poems by John
Skelton, and Four Poems of Thomas Campion,
both
dating from 2007. With the Singers’ impeccable
intonation, warm vocal blend, this CD is a
must-buy
for anyone interested in contemporary British choral music.
Brough and the BBC Singers
are also delightful in Bennett’s
loving arrangements of Gershwin,
Ellington and Cole Porter.